Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters

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But this is the Wizards Team, what can Yu Fei say?

Even if Jordan said, "If I take one less breath, the Earth will stop spinning tomorrow," everyone would just have to say, "Ah yes, yes, yes."

Yu Fei tidied up, preparing to answer a few questions at the press conference before going for extra practice.

At that moment, Jordan noticed Ratner staring at the beautiful shoes and Nike boxes displayed next to his locker.

"Do you like these?" Jordan asked.

Ratner saw it as an opportunity to get closer to Jordan, "They're beautiful."

Then, Jordan turned to the equipment manager Charlie Butler, "Prepare a pair of the latest Air Jordans for Chris tomorrow." With that, he looked at Ratner, "What's your shoe size?"

"14."

"Size 14, Charlie, prepare a new pair of shoes for him." Just like that, Ratner got something Hamilton had long coveted, which made him jump for joy and he gave Yu Fei a fierce glare, as if claiming a victory. However, his happiness lasted less than five seconds before he heard Jordan softly say, "I hope these shoes teach you how to set a comfortable screen for your teammate at key moments."

Ratner's face changed in an instant.

This moment reflected the many facets of Jordan as seen by his teammates: generous and humorous, both instructive and insulting, always trying to pass on not so subtle constructive messages. It reminded them that loyalty to him would be rewarded, and a loyal servant's mistakes would not be forgotten.

Yu Fei burst out laughing; for the first time in the months he had known Jordan, he discovered the old guy had a lovable side.

"If a pair of new shoes can teach this idiot how to screen, then I'll break my contract with Reebok and wear AJ too." With that, Yu Fei left the locker room cheerfully.

Jordan pinched his cigar, watching Yu Fei's retreating figure with a complex expression. After Fei had left, he asked in confusion, "'Shabi' exactly means what?"

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Verizon Center

After finishing the second game against The Celtics, The Wizards had two more games left this month.

One was the game against Orlando Magic on November 28, and the other was the second game of the month against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Both games were tough, one against an Eastern Conference team that was suspected of being overrated but still powerful, and the other against the reigning full-strength Eastern Conference champions.

However, Collins wasn't in the mood to think about these two opponents right now.

Because Yu Fei and his agent had posed him a significant problem.

Last night, in an interview with an NBC reporter, Yu Fei had expressed dissatisfaction with his playing time.

His agent, Arne Trem, had even called him directly, issuing a threatening demand, "If Frye can't start in D.C., or if you think he's not up to starting in D.C., then please consider trading him. I know of teams willing to offer him a starting position and even a core role; I can get you in touch with them. It's in both our interests. Frye is running out of patience."

It was a moment when a nightmare became reality.

Doug Collins had always advocated trading Yu Fei because he saw him as an uncontrollable player. Yu Fei not only held no reverence for Jordan, but he also didn't respect anyone else, having talent but being unteachable. Such a player would be fine to groom as the core of a normal team, but The Wizards wasn't a normal team in the conventional sense.

Even if Shaquille O'Neal and Duncan were traded over, the person sitting in the captain's chair would still have to be Jordan.

Now, whether it was Yu Fei, his agent, or the Wizards' real need, increasing Yu Fei's playing time was something Collins had to consider.

But he didn't dare to think about it, because Jordan hadn't given the nod yet.

Even if Jordan gave the nod, Yu Fei wanted more than just increased playing time.

Trem had made it very clear; there were teams willing to offer a starting position, and there were teams willing to offer a core position.

The Wizards had Jordan, so the core position was temporarily out of the question, but a starting position was a must.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Would Jordan allow Yu Fei to start?

Could Yu Fei coexist with Jordan?

Would his style of play make Jordan uncomfortable?

If Jordan didn't adapt to Yu Fei's style, would there be even greater conflict between them?

Perhaps by then, they would still need to trade the player to resolve the conflict? .net

Collins was restless, stepping out of the coach's office just to get some air.

Then, he saw Yu Fei shooting baskets on the court.

Collins subconsciously checked the time: 2 p.m.

There were 90 minutes left until the training session started.

Collins hated players who directed at the coaching staff, but he couldn't refute Yu Fei's complaints.

Whether Kwame Brown was D.C.'s most talented was debatable, but D.C.'s most diligent was certainly him.

Every time he substituted Yu Fei onto the court, Collins felt a sense of security, and images of Yu Fei sweating it out in training would flash through his mind.

He was talented and skillful, intelligent, and most importantly, he had the attitude and willingness to train hard, the foundation of greatness.

But why couldn't he see eye to eye with MJ?

In this world, how could there be a Generation Y that doesn't like MJ?

The better Yu Fei played, the more he deserved to start, the deeper Collins' torment and worry became. Sadly, he had no say in the matter; he had to notify Jordan first and let Jordan make the decision.

He was the core player, the shadow coach, the real general manager, more important than the owner himself, he was God.

Since when did I lose my voice in front of Michael?

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